Your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) can impact your health, especially if you suffer from allergies. Dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores are common allergens in our area that can circulate through your home’s air, triggering allergy symptoms. If you or your household members suffer from allergies, you can boost your home’s indoor air quality by choosing the best furnace filter for allergy sufferers.
Let’s go over some furnace filter lingo such as HEPA and MERV and what filter is best for allergy sufferers. Keep in mind that whichever filter you choose needs to be a good match for your furnace. Otherwise, you could inadvertently create extra work for your furnace and increase wear and tear on the system. For the best furnace filter in Pittsburgh for your allergies–and your specific HVAC system–contact us for the best recommendation.
HEPA Filters, MERV Ratings, and Allergies
HEPA filters are considered the best air filters for people who suffer from allergies and are ranked by a MERV rating. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value which measures a filter’s ability to capture airborne particles.
The MERV scale ranges from 1 to 20, with higher numbers indicating greater filtration efficiency. For allergy sufferers, filters with higher MERV ratings are more effective at removing allergens from the air, but the MERV rating must be suitable for your HVAC system.
- MERV 1-4: Basic filtration that is effective at capturing large particles such as dust and carpet fibers but not suitable for trapping smaller allergens.
- MERV 5-8: Improved filtration that is capable of capturing larger particles such as dust mites and mold spores. This range is sufficient for basic home use but may not be adequate for people with allergies.
- MERV 9-12: Superior filtration that is effective at capturing finer particles such as pollen and pet dander. This range is often recommended for people with mild to moderate allergies.
- MERV 13-16: Advanced filtration that can capture even smaller particles such as smoke, fine dust, and bacteria. Filters in this range are highly effective for allergy sufferers and can significantly improve indoor air quality.
Consult Our HVAC Experts
Choosing the right furnace filter isn’t just about picking a higher MERV rating. Your HVAC system’s compatibility with the filter is also crucial. A filter with a very high MERV rating may not be suitable for every furnace as it can restrict airflow and cause the system to work harder than necessary, leading to wear and tear or even a potential breakdown.
Our HVAC professionals can evaluate your specific HVAC system and recommend the best filter for your needs. We can help you find a filter that balances air quality with system efficiency, ensuring you get the best of both worlds. Once you know which filter is best, we make it easy to purchase replacements on our website.
Reduce your allergies in your home and boost your indoor air quality. To find the best furnace filter for your home, contact us today.
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